When and how did you all get it together to become Gods of Indie/Pop?

It was passed down through the ages. We were born into it. Like royalty. (note sarcasm) I think we just have been around SO LONG now that we had to be given a title. I like the ring of "Gods of Indie Pop" myself.

TOPICAL QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Are you aware that the World Cup, the planet's ultimate sporting tournament is about to begin and if so, will T+S be lending their full support to your neighbours, the USA?

Honestly, I don't really follow the World Cup. I imagine I'll be following it while I'm in Europe and I imagine I'll be cheering for Australia or England or something. USA aren't good at "soocer/football" are they?



What are your impressions of touring Ireland in the past?

I loved it there. I don't know much about it as I've only been a few times. People have amazing accents and like to make fun of England. Oh and drink. Once I even saw a cover band in a pub playing U2 songs. That was pretty awesome as well. Its green and beautiful. Friendly and laid back. I like it there a lot.

NON-LAZY, SPECIFIC BAND QUESTION #1 - Were you very pleased to get covered by the White Stripes and who would you now most like to be covered by?

Yes! We were very pleased when the White Stripes covered Walking With A Ghost. It was a very important point in our career. The song was on the radio a lot (as was our version of the song) and I think a lot of people were at that point convinced we were "the real deal". Having Jack White's seal of approval was extremely helpful as one might imagine.

Your house has been maliciously set ablaze by as yet un-named evil forces, but you have the strength to battle the flames and fumes to rescue one piece of music, what is it and why?

Oh wow. I'd save my demos. All the songs we don't release on record (probably close to 75 or 100) would be gone in the fire, so I'd save them for future releases.

NON-LAZY, SPECIFIC BAND QUESTION #2 - Having musically grown up just as people decided they didn't want to pay for music any longer, do you feel that artists now need to concentrate too much on the business end of things in order to survive?

We always concentrated on the business side of things so I might be a bad person to ask this question to. It was a big part of how we started our career. Our first interaction in the business was with a fantastic and very thorough lawyer who made sure we understood every word of every contract we ever signed. Because we were so well read we decided to withhold our merchandise, publishing and touring rights and that is how we make a living now. So every detail is very important to us. Sara and I really did want to retain creative control but also control how we are marketed to the public. We see the people who buy our music as friends almost. We never want them to feel taken advantage of. So that means poring over details as small as where we play, what the merchandise rates will be, how much tickets will cost, what quality of shirt we are printing on, if the CD booklet is recyclable etc. I think it's in every artists best interest to care. But it's not for everyone that's for sure.

Tell us this, if your where portrayed in a film, who would play you?

I would like Kristen Steward to play me. She did a great job as Joan Jet and I think she's sweet when she's all miserable-looking in the press.

Who is the greatest human to have ever lived?

My mother.

Lastly, in three words describe life, the universe and everything within it.

Brain Shut Down. (trying to answer this question)

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Tegan And Sara play the Mandela Hall, Belfast tomorrow (Monday 14th of June). Doors at 8pm.